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Although this region contains fine restaurants—in fact, two of the country's top dozen dining establishments are here—most of the dining in the small towns of the Eastern Alps will take place in Gasthöfs or Gasthäuses—chalet-style country hotels and inns with flower-decked balconies and overhanging eaves. Note that in many cases such inns are closed in the off-season, particularly November and possibly April or May.
Every last detail, from romantic furnishings to the doting service, is done to perfection here, making this restaurant the best in the area. Chef Johanna Maier's way with trout is exquisite, but don't overlook the game, roast poultry, or veal sweetbreads. Finish with topfenknödel (cream cheese dumpling), a house specialty. Frau Maier offers cooking courses several times each month—call for dates. The restaurant is within the equally plush and inviting hotel of the same name.
Idyllically set on the east side of the Stubnerkogel, directly on the ski slope, this Alpine hut is one of the oldest in Europe, remarkably well preserved, with wooden interiors and a huge open fire. Wooden parlors and a big terrace, with a spectacular view over Bad Gastein, invite visitors in for a substantial meal, followed by a couple of drinks after a hike or long skiing day. Try the roasted Hörnchen (a kind of pasta) with liverwurst hash and endive potato salad, or one of the desserts, such as traditional Austrian Kaiserschmarrn (chopped up pancakes served with fruit compote, often apple or plum) or Schwarzbeernocken (blackberry or blueberry dumplings). You'll need a car or taxi to get here; in winter you can ski in or take the restaurant's own chairlift. Reservations are highly recommended during winter, when it's a popular après-ski spot. For the complete Alpine experience, it also has 12 nice rooms.
Among Austria's top dining spots, Obauer is presided over by the brothers Karl and Rudolf, who share chef-de-cuisine responsibilities. Thanks to their flair, this has become a culinary shrine, especially for Salzburgers and Germans. The cuisine creatively mixes local delights and herbs with nouvelle garnishes, many inspired by the brothers' far-flung travels. Trout strudel with Veltliner sauce, Honey quail with nettle, pear mustard and sherry sauce, stuffed zucchini blossoms with wild thyme and mushrooms—any of these specialties might top the nightly bill of fare and are highly recommended. For a complete experience you can also book one of Obauer's 11 chic and modern guest rooms and suites and enjoy a memorable breakfast in the morning.
Opened in 2020, this specialty Third-wave coffee shop and roastery brews excellent cups of java and serves small bites like yogurt, fuit, and pastries in a cool, contemporary setting.
This casual, light-filled little bar-café a few steps from the center of town is the perfect spot to pick up coffee and baguettes or to linger for hours over champagne and cocktails. There's a cozy interior and welcoming outdoor tables, and a great wine, beer, and cocktail list. Betty's is known for Flammkuchen (super thin Alsacian flatbreads, similar to pizza). Meat, vegan, and veggie versions are available but you can also find gourmet baguette sandwiches and tapas.
With green wood paneling and a red timber ceiling, the restaurant is both historic and traditional but exceptionally stylish. It's also right in the old town center, and has a garden and cozy wooden parlors. Overseen by the Seel family, traditional Austrian fare is its forte, but it prides itself on its pizza too---it even has a wood-fired oven. For a true traditional dish, try the Jägerhauspfandl (grilled pork tenderloin and mushroom cream sauce with roast potatoes) or pumpkin-, game-, or duck-based seasonal specialties.
Housed in a converted 1934 powerstation with exposed brick walls and beams, this stylish two-story restaurant serves creative regional Austrian fare along with an excellent wine list. It's modern but rustic, industrial but welcoming, and authentic regional cuisine but creatively presented. Be sure to try the homemade bread, farmer's butter, smoked bacon, and schnapps from their own organic farm.
In the hotel of the same name, the restaurant is in a charming, typically Austrian stube—all wood paneled and cozy—and serves regional specialties and international cuisine. Its popularity extends to locals and visitors alike, which makes for a good atmosphere. It has been awarded 13 Gault Millau points for menu selections such as pork fillet in an herb and bacon crust or braised veal with a cream sauce and small dumplings. It offers a daily three-course lunch menu (with seasonal fare) for €27.
As the name suggests, the Steinerwirt dates back almost as far as Columbus's Atlantic voyage. It is family run, and its newest generation of owners and staff have brought modernity to the cuisine while maintaining the original Alpine flair. The authentic atmosphere makes the place a favorite for locals and travelers alike. A particular highlight is the wine cellar---home to great wines for more than 525 years---with some fine Austrian wines; the staff are happy to help you choose the right pairing. The roast pork served with bread dumplings and red cabbage and the Tafelspitz (slow-cooked beef with creamed spinach and a horseradish-and-chive sauce) are excellent.
This tiny, Swedish-run Third-wave coffee shop brews beans from a premium Swedish coffee roaster and serves homemade Kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns), as well as vanilla and cardamom variations, plus house-crafted bagels and gourmet sandwiches. It's a great place to grab a sandwich to take on your hike. Located across the street from the train station.
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